The Philosophical Dictionary; or, the Opinions of Modern Philosophers on Metaphysical, Moral, and Political Subjects, 1786

The Philosophical Dictionary; or, the Opinions of Modern Philosophers on Metaphysical, Moral, and Political Subjects. In Four Volumes (this set comprising Volumes I, II and IV only).

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First published in 1786, The Philosophical Dictionary is an ambitious Enlightenment compendium bringing together the opinions and writings of many of the leading philosophers and political thinkers of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Compiled by the Austrian-born physician Franz Xaver Swediauer (whose identity is concealed in the preface by the initials "F. S******R, M.D."), the work presents an alphabetical survey of subjects including metaphysics, morality, religion, politics and human nature. Rather than promoting a single philosophical system, it draws upon the ideas of influential writers such as Locke, Bacon, Bentham, Hume, Rousseau and Montesquieu, offering contemporary readers a convenient reference to the principal currents of Enlightenment thought.

Printed for G.G.J. and J. Robinson, London; and C. Elliot, Edinburgh. First edition, 1786.

Please note that this is an incomplete set, comprising Volumes I, II and IV only, lacking Volume III.

A very good set in the original eighteenth-century full sheep leather bindings. Raised bands to the spines with red morocco title labels and gilt tooling. All soundly bound. Covers with expected age-related scuffs, bumps and rubbing to the leather. Wear to heads and tails of spines. Inner hinges somewhat cracked and strained in places but remaining firm and holding well.

The text is unusually bright and clean throughout, with only light offsetting to the margins of the first and last few leaves from the leather turn-ins. Otherwise remarkably fresh internally for a work of this age, with just very occasional light spotting or foxing. No plates were issued with this work. Previous owner’s inscription to first free blank endpapers (possibly William Tate, Trinity College, Cambridge).

Text in English.

Volume I: 370pp + (2) Publisher’s advertisements. 
Volume II: xi + 12-373pp. 
Volume IV: viii + 13-391pp (appears to be as issued). 

Dimensions: each volume approximately 172mm high x 112mm wide x 28mm deep.

Weight: approximately 1004g (the set - unpacked).